How To Clean An Awning With Mold? Step by Step Instructions

Awnings provide additional shade and shelter for your home from the sun. That’s why it’s important to know how to remove mold and other tough stains from an awning.

Sunshades constructed of vinyl and acrylic fibers can last for up to a decade of protection from the sun’s harmful rays (with proper care and maintenance).

However, Penicillium mold, for example, does not have a free access to damaging factors outside the home. To learn more about where penicillium mold grows, check out this interesting article.

As a result, figuring out how to keep mold and mildew from ruining your awning’s appearance and functionality is just as critical. The mold on your awning coverings will be addressed in this post in order to prevent further damage to your home’s canopy.

6-Step Guide To Clean Molded Awning

Mold can be found just about anywhere, even the awning cover of your house or store. To your good fortune, there are no-frills methods for cleaning your custom-molded awning.

Step #1. Know your material

You must first determine the type of material that makes up your sunshade before you can properly treat it. Vinyl polymer coverings and those composed of acrylic fibers are two of the most frequent types of home canopies.

Vinyl awnings are mold-resistant due to their non-porous surfaces. The vinyl awning’s construction makes it simple to remove dirt and mildew from it.

Because acrylic fiber awnings are composed of woven fabric, they have naturally permeable properties. You’ll have to put in more effort to clean an acrylic awning because of the potential mold hideouts.

Step #2. Apply your cleaners

If your awning is made of acrylic, you’ll need to undertake a thorough cleaning. A bleach mixture can be used to saturate the region for a long period of time.

Molds that have pierced the acrylic awning’s pores can be removed using more powerful deep-cleaners.

When it comes to cleaning vinyl awnings, bleach combined with water is all that is needed to remove mold. Scrub the molded area after the mixture has sat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remember that bleach includes strong chemicals that can harm and wear out the color and quality of your awning fabric, so proceed with caution when using it.

You can use Borax if you don’t have bleach cleaner on hand. How to remove mold with borax is explained in this article.

Step #3. Scrub away molds and mildew

It’s time to scrub the awning cloth now that the cleaner has had a chance to sit and work its way into the fabric. Remove all of the bleach from the mold-infested areas with a stiff-bristled brush.

You’ll spend less time wiping a vinyl awning. If you’re using woven fibers to clean an acrylic awning, you may have to work harder to get rid of the roots that have grown into the cloth.

If you’ve used a powerful antimicrobial cleaning, brushing the acrylic awning is optional.

Step #4. Rinse area to remove residue

The next step is to wash the awning with clean water to remove any bleach residue that may have remained from the previous step.

Step #5. Air dry awning cover

After washing your awning, allow it to dry naturally. To dry it after cleaning it in the frame, leave it as it is, no need to remove the frame.

Line-hang it to dry if it is separated from its shell.

Step #6. Re-treat awning and return to frame

Fabric guard re-treatment or re-application on your awning can be optional. However, if you have an acrylic one, it’s best to reapply a layer of waterproof protection after washing it.

After applying the coating, be sure to let it to cure completely. You can now put the awning back in its frame after it has been cleaned and dried.

Can I Remove Mold From Awning Without Using Bleach?

You can use additional disinfectants to remove mold from your awning if you choose.

Commercial antimicrobial soap can be purchased online or in home care stores if you need a powerful chemical cleaning. Mold and mildew can’t stand a chance against it as a powerful disinfectant.

However, if you prefer an all-natural solution, vinegar and baking soda can be used to remove mould. Immerse the damaged area in vinegar and then use baking soda to scrub it clean.

How To Prevent Molds On My Awning

At least once a month, rinse the awning with a garden hose to keep the molds at bay. In addition, you can use a light detergent to clean your awning every year in the same way that you would remove mold from it.

Ensure that the awning is completely dried after cleaning it on a monthly and yearly basis. For long-term storage, keep it in a well-ventilated area.

Cleaning Methods For RV Awning Materials

Vinyl and Acrylic are the two most used materials for awnings. They’re all built differently and necessitate a variety of cleaning approaches.

How to Clean a Vinyl RV Awning

Natural mildew-resistant vinyl is a popular choice for RV awnings since it doesn’t absorb water. Vinyl is easier to clean because you don’t have to scrape dirt out of a porous surface, but it isn’t robust enough to survive regular pressure washing, so you’ll need a soft brush.

You don’t have to wait as long for cleansers to seep into vinyl because it is non-porous. As a result, bleach can be used practically immediately to remove mold and mildew from vinyl surfaces.

How to Clean an Acrylic RV Awning

You’ve learned how to maintain vinyl awnings on RVs, but acrylic is also a popular choice for RV awnings. Vinyl, on the other hand, is impermeable since it is made of a single piece of material. Waterproof coatings on porous materials make them more difficult to clean, as they trap dirt and bacteria.

You can’t scrub acrylic like you would a vinyl awning to get a deep clean — you have to let the cleaner seep into the fabric. You don’t need as much elbow grease by simply rolling up the awning with a cleaner on it because of this. Using a stiff-bristle brush to remove debris from within the woven strands is recommended if you need to scrub.

You should also add another layer of waterproofing spray to your acrylic once you’ve finished cleaning, even if you didn’t use any scrubbing on your acrylic.

How to Clean and Remove Mold from an RV Awning

Mold is a hurricane compared to mildew’s thunderstorm. Even if you don’t live in Louisiana or Alabama, you can develop mold on your RV’s awning if you reside in a humid climate.

Mold, like mildew, thrives in dark and moist conditions, making a wet, rolled-up awning an ideal habitat. Mold is more harmful and difficult to remove than mildew because it penetrates deeper into the surfaces it infects.

To Bleach or Not To Bleach

The last thing you want to do is use bleach on a moldy acrylic awning. Mold thrives on porous surfaces because its roots can penetrate deep into the substance, where bleach can’t reach it.

A few days after using bleach to remove mold stains from the surface, the roots will remain and the growth will begin again in as little as a few days. It’s a bummer to think you’ve eradicated your mold issue with bleach only to open your awning and find it has returned in force!

Using bleach on a vinyl awning to get rid of mold is a simple and effective method. Wait 10 minutes before cleaning the afflicted area with a diluted water and bleach solution. Scrub away the mold with a gentle brush and then thoroughly rinse the area to get rid of any bleach leftovers.

Antimicrobial Cleaners

So, how can you get rid of mildew from RV awnings without bleaching them? In the case of a large mold problem that just won’t go away, antimicrobials purchased over the counter are your best option. In addition, it can treat the minor blemish you wish to get rid of before it becomes a major issue. Antimicrobials are available both online and in brick-and-mortar retailers like Home Depot.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Considering how much time you spend outside, it’s understandable if applying harsh chemicals around your home bothers you. Fortunately, you and your awning can both benefit from a number of eco-friendly approaches to mold removal.

To combat mold, vinegar and baking soda don’t require hefty chemicals. Baking soda and vinegar should be used to clean the damaged area. This may need to be repeated several times until the area is completely free of odors.

How to Clean and Remove Mildew from an RV Awning

RV awnings, particularly those that are rolled in and stored while still wet or damp, are susceptible to mildew. Unlike mold, mildew tends to be on the surface of the awning and is therefore easier to remove. Although mildew is less harmful than it used to be, a minor growth can soon evolve into a major issue if it isn’t dealt with right away.

Bleach, vinegar, baking soda, or a store-bought antimicrobial can be used to remove mildew from vinyl awnings. Use diluted bleach to spot-treat the problematic areas, and then leave the bleach to rest for 10 minutes before rinsing. Then you can use a sponge to scrub away the mildew and a hose to rinse the bleach away.

Acrylic awnings can be cleaned using bleach, but the porous nature of the material means that it may not penetrate deep enough to remove all of the mildew. It’s more common with mold than mildew, but it’s worth thinking about.

Bleach, like hydrogen peroxide, can stain the area it is sprayed on if left on over an extended period of time, and it may also have other adverse consequences. To remove mildew from RV awnings without using harsh chemicals, vinegar and baking soda are your best bet.

Scrub the mildew away with a stiff brush for acrylic or a gentle brush for vinyl after soaking the area in a substantial amount of vinegar. If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, this is an environmentally friendly technique to get rid of mildew.

Store-bought antimicrobials are particularly efficient against mildew when all else fails or you prefer to begin with the failsafe. However, you may rest confident that you have a product that is capable of getting the job done.

When you keep your awning in good condition, it will appear nicer and perform better in the long run. Check out How RV Awnings Work for more suggestions and in-depth information.

Mold, mildew, food stains, and other problems can be spread to your clothing by the elements in the great outdoors. Laid Back Camping has a wonderful post on how to wipe the filth from your camping chairs.

Using Bleach on an RV Awning

While bleach can be used to clean RV awnings, you should approach with caution..

Just about anything that comes into contact with bleach is destructive to it because of its extraordinarily high pH level. Your RV awning’s lifespan will be considerably reduced if you use undiluted bleach on the material.

Be sure to dilute the bleach in the water at least one cup per gallon, then apply it with a spray bottle in certain areas. Apply it just to areas that won’t have their color washed away. A white stain may be left if you leave bleach on for too long or if it isn’t diluted properly, so you may want to avoid using it.

How to Store Your Awning to Prevent Mold and Mildew

The easiest way to keep mold and mildew at bay is to never store your camper awning wet, as they thrive in dark, damp environments. Keeping your awning dry in storage is the first and greatest line of defense that you have against the possibility of water damage.

A wet awning should be unrolled and let dry as soon as possible if at all possible. Another option is to give the awning a quick wash with soap and water to get rid of any mold and mildew spores that may have accumulated.

It’s possible to speed up the drying process of an awning by rolling it in little by little, rubbing a towel down the exposed roller, and removing any water droplets that may have accumulated.

There is no harm in unrolling the awning once over the winter to inspect and clean it so that any germs that may have settled on the awning have less time to thrive.

Common Awning Dirt and Stains

The simplest to remove is grit, dirt, and other abrasives. Soap or detergent and water should be all you need to remove any muck that has made its way onto your awning (which would be an outstanding effort and I’d love to read about it). For those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to park under an overgrown tree, soap and water is the best way to clean up the mess left behind by birds.

Tree Sap

Your clean awning from trees isn’t just at risk from birds; sap can also pose a problem that washing and water alone couldn’t handle. Spray Nine, a heavy-duty grease remover, works well on sap that has been warmed by the sun. Using rubbing alcohol is one of the best ways to remove the stick from the sap that has hardened.

Leaves and Foliage

It’s not fun to roll up your awning when it’s raining, but you may not have an option due to heavy winds, traveling, or other circumstances. The dark stains that form when leaves fall on your awning, get wet, and then are rolled up are difficult to remove.

A magic eraser can be used to remove leaf stains. The magic eraser’s melamine foam functions like a very fine sandpaper and doesn’t require any extra chemicals or cleaners to perform. The stains should come clean off with a little elbow grease and a wet eraser.

OxiClean and Dawn

If for some reason that doesn’t work, you can try adding 4oz each of OxiClean and Dawn dish soap to one and a half gallons of water. Spray the awning top and bottom with the solution, then immediately roll up your awning. Let the awning sit like that for 30-45 minutes, then unroll it and scrub it off with water. You can also try using bleach in place of OxiClean.

Awning Cleaners

Try adding 4oz each of OxiClean and Dawn dish soap to one and a half liters of water to see if that works. Roll up your awning immediately after spraying it with the solution. Unroll the awning and clean it down with water after 30 to 45 minutes. Bleach can be used in place of OxiClean.

You may need to try a professional product if your home solution doesn’t work. Awning cleaners from B.E.S.T. and Camco can be purchased online at Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and many RV stores.

Bugs and Insects

Bugs aren’t the only culprits when it comes to discoloring your awning; leaves and pine needles aren’t the only culprits. Getting bugs out of your awning when you’re ready to fold it up is a lot more difficult than getting leaves out, and they can leave behind stains over time.

There are a few things you can try to remove the bug spots, like the magic eraser, cleaning combo, and awning cleaner. You probably already have hydrogen peroxide in your bathroom, but it’s a great alternative for bug stains.

Lovebugs are a common sight in the southern United States, and while their origins remain a mystery, hydrogen peroxide is an easy way to get rid of them.

To get rid of pests on your automobile, use a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning for about 30 seconds, then wipe the area clean. The same method also works on the awning of your RV. Keep take note that hydrogen peroxide will potentially bleach any colors in your awning, so you may want to experiment with shorter soak times to be on the safe side of things.

This is the perfect moment to add some character to your outside living space, now that your RV awning is looking excellent. Installing some lights on your RV awning can help create a nice atmosphere for social evenings and quiet hours around the camp. Find out how to do this by reading our full post.

Stain Prevention

Preventing stains and grit is always a good idea, no matter what kind of problem you’re dealing with. At least once a year, you’ll want to deep clean your awning. Make a point of scrubbing it as soon as you detect it getting a little shabby.

For example, the type of fabric used to construct your awning will have an impact on the cleaners and sponges and brushes you choose to use to clean it.

The Best Mold Removers of 2022

Finding mold for the first time in a wet, dark area can be terrifying. You’re well aware of the dangers it poses to your well-being. As a result, you’re well aware of the cost of mold remediation. However, do not be alarmed. Remove the fungus yourself if you can.

Protective gear and a good mold remover are usually all you’ll need for most mold removal jobs. You may be able to do the work yourself, whether it’s under a kitchen sink, along a bathroom wall, or even on the exterior of your property.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Mold Remover

Consider the sort of material the mold is bonded to before donning your rubber gloves and sprinkling down a disgusting, moldy surface with a cleaning solution.

Location of Mold

There are some molds that are easier to deal with than others If you find mold on a piece of fabric, such as a curtain, you can typically just throw it in the washing machine with the right mold remover and wash it. However, removing mold from beneath a kitchen cabinet may be more challenging.

Inorganic surfaces are vulnerable to mold growth and decay. In places where drywall can be easily accessed, such as under a sink cabinet, it may cause a lot of damage by feeding on the paper face. The removal of the cabinets, drywall, and insulation, and the treatment of the mold in the cavity beneath them may necessitate more time or work.

In other circumstances, such as the siding of your home, some good ol’ fashioned hard work is all you’ll need. The siding can easily be sprayed with a mold killer and scrubbed clean.

Mold Type

When it comes to mold, it doesn’t always matter what kind of mold you have. All of the common kinds of mold can be effectively removed using a wide range of mold removers. If you have a problem with a harmful mold, you may need to call a professional.

The elimination of black mold, in particular, is a severe issue. Toxic mold with the scientific name Stachybotrys has been found to be particularly damaging to the respiratory system. To thrive, it needs a steady supply of water. It can swiftly spread from there. You may be able to tell it from the smell of mildew or the texture of slime. When it comes to black mold, it may be in your best interest to bring in the experts.

Cleaning Time

The greatest mold and mildew removers need different amounts of time to accomplish their work. With some, you apply the treatment once and leave it. After 15 minutes, some require a reapply. Either way, once you apply the mold killer, it goes to work killing the fungus before you scrub it or wipe it away.

Application

Mold-killing concentrates, on the other hand, must be mixed separately in a separate container. Adjust the strength of each application with this feature. You can use a brush, a sponge, or a mop to apply these. Spray bottles can also be used to distribute the solution.

Other outdoor goods attach to a garden hose’s end. Using a high-volume spray, these mold assassins can be applied to surfaces like driveways, decks, and siding.

Ease of Use

When it comes to mold, cleanup can be difficult. You can, however, select a product that is simple to use.. Spray solutions are the most common and easiest-to-use items. It’s as simple as pointing the bottle towards the issue and firing.

It’s easier to utilize a hose attachment that pumps the solution via your hose’s stream when you’re treating the exterior of your home. As opposed to spraying, you can spread the product across a bigger area in less time.

In certain cases, spray-and-forget mold removal treatments are the ideal solution for a particular mold problem. This can be a major advantage in small spaces, such as behind toilets or in the cupboard under a sink.

Our Top Picks

What to look for in a mold remover now that you know what to look for For a home that’s free of fungus and a family that’s happier and healthier, check out this list of effective mold removers.

If you don’t fix the condition that brought on the mold, none of these mold killers will work for long. The mold can return in as little as two days if the moisture source is still present, even if the affected object has been removed

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray

• Black mold and mildew are the only molds that are compatible.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Mold stains are removed in 15 minutes after the product begins working.
• There’s no need to scrub.
• Mold scents are no longer an issue thanks to this technology.
• For use on drywall, vinyl siding, concrete and brick as well as tiles in the kitchen and bathroom

Cons

• There are only a certain number of spray bottles available.
• This product has not been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

DuPont Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

• Mold & mildew are the only molds that are compatible.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• A ready-to-use formula.
• Safe to use on a variety of surfaces.
• leaves a pleasant smell in its wake

Cons

• An location with adequate ventilation should be used for this purpose.
• Scrubbing may be necessary.

Concrobium Mold Control Household Cleaners

• Mold, mildew, and musty odors are all acceptable types of mold.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Only requires one application to get the job done
• No ammonia or volatile organic compounds
• There is much of it available.

Cons

• Not included: a spray jug.
• A number of applications may be required.
• Pricey

Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner

• Mold and mildew are both compatible types of mold.
• Time Required for Cleaning: 8-12 Hours
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Waterproof and long-lasting protection for almost a month in the shower
• Included is a spray nozzle.
• Affordability is key.

Cons

• After use, rinse well with clean water.
• No more than twenty-four hours should be left on at a time.

30 SECONDS Cleaners 6430S 3PA

• Algae, mold, mildew, and moss are all compatible mold types.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• An included garden hose connector makes it simple to connect to a water source.
• There’s no need to scrub or use pressure washers.
• suitable for driveways, pathways, fences, furnishings, and siding.
• Suitable for usage around plants and grasses.

Cons

• Pricey
• Using this option may be cumbersome for some users.

MOLD ARMOR CLEANER

Mold and mildew might grow on the side of your house that receives the least amount of sunshine. Mold Armor Cleaner removes those unsightly stains with ease. You may use these six jugs of 64 ounces on any type of siding or outside surface including vinyl and aluminum as well as brick and stucco. All you have to do now is cover the afflicted area. A sponge, brush or paint roller can be used to apply the wash to more stubborn stains.

• Mold and mildew are both compatible types of mold.
• A few minutes is all it takes to clean.
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Six jugs are included.
• It is safe to use on stains.
• Siding, decks and fences can all benefit from this product’s versatility.

Cons

• Pricey

Scrubbing may be necessary for some stains.

RMR-141 Disinfectant Spray Cleaner

• Mold, germs, smells, and viruses are all compatible mold types.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Disinfects as it cleans
• There is no bleach or ammonia in this cleaning solution.
• Affordability is key.

Cons

• Stains that are very difficult to remove may necessitate the use of extra treatments.
• This product has not been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

Professional Disinfecting Mildew, Virus & Mold Killer

• Mold, mildew, and viruses are all types of mold that are compatible with this product.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• As a spray application,

Pros

• Pros
• Commercial-grade strength
• Commercial-grade tensile strength

Cons

• Before use, it needs to be diluted.
• Not included is a spray bottle.

Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner

• Mould, mildew and algae are all types of mold that can be treated with this product.
• Time to Clean: Instantaneous
• Pressure washer is one type of application.

Pros

• Suitable for use on tough messes.
• For use on various materials, including but not limited to: hardwood and softwood plywood; composite materials such as vinyl; metal; plastic; wicker; and masonry and asphalt
• Formula that is completely degradable
• There is much of it available.

Cons

• This product has not been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration.

Our Verdict

There are many products on the market, but the RMR-86 is one of the most effective mold removal products on the market today. It works on all kinds of surfaces and doesn’t require scrubbing, and it eliminates odor while it cleans. As an alternative, DuPont’s mold remover, which is ready to use and is safe to use on most common domestic surfaces, is a budget-friendly option for treating mold and mildew.

How We Chose the Best Mold Removers

We looked into the top-selling mold and mildew removers in each category and found that the best options are determined by the type of mold they treat, the amount of time it takes to clean, the ease with which they can be applied, the number of surfaces they can be used on, and other unique features included by specific brands.

For mold assassins, spray applications, and rapid cleaning were the most popular features among customers when looking for the best. The fact that these mold removers can be used on a variety of different materials ensured that we included them in our list. Most mold and mildew removers, however, are also capable of removing viruses, bacteria and algae, as well as dirt and moss.

Many alternatives include built-in spray nozzles or may be linked to garden hoses for convenient application, while some require dilution before use or do not come with spray bottles.

FAQs

It’s fine if you still have concerns regarding which mold removers are the most effective. There’s a lot to learn here. Some of the most frequently asked questions are addressed in the following. When all else fails, you can always get in touch with the product’s creators.

Q: What does mold smell like?

Many molds do not emit any odor. When it comes to black mold, it carries an earthy and mildew-like scent, which is reminiscent of soil.

Q: What does black mold look like?

Spotty and usually greenish-black in hue, black mold can also seem brown or gray depending on the lighting.

Q: Does mold come back after cleaning?

Mold will reappear if you don’t get rid of the source of the moisture. The roots of the mold can’t be removed by just bleaching the surface of drywall, for example. Mold can re-grow within a few days.

Q: What are the effects of mold?

A wide range of health and environmental impacts can be caused by mold. Surfaces such as wood and drywall can be reduced to dust with this device. In addition, it can cause respiratory issues, cold-like symptoms, eye irritation, and skin irritants.

Conclusion

It’s a blessing that cleaning an awning with mold doesn’t cost a lot of money. Even if you’re not a professional, these instructions will help you maintain the quality of your sunshade’s canopy and hence its primary function and benefits.